Written questions by Cartlidge.

Pursuant to the Answer of 1 April to Question 43149 on Artillery: Procurement, if he will confirm that (a) no decision has been taken on the procurement of 15 MLRS and 1 RRV and (b) any decision will not be made until after the publication of the SDR.

We are currently undertaking a Strategic Defence Review which is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the 21st century. No final decision has yet been taken on the procurement of 15 MLRS and 1 RRV.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Spearcap 3 Programme.

The SPEAR Cap 3 programme remains in the Demonstration and Manufacture phase. The first SPEAR 3 Guided Firing took place missile from a BAE Systems-operated Typhoon in October 2024 at a test range in Sweden. Plans for the subsequent Guided Firing trials are on track with scheduled dates in summer 2025 at the same Swedish range. Hardware has been delivered by MBDA to Lockheed Martin in the US to support F-35B integration activity including on aircraft flights planned for summer 2025.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the New Style of Information Technology Deployed Programme.

The programme achieved Acceptance into Service, and declaration of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in the Land Environment in March 2024. In the last 12 months the programme has released an updated Operational Network (OpNET) capability with significantly enhanced build software. This is currently being deployed across the land environment and will facilitate the withdrawal of legacy systems from the land environment before the end of 2025. Following installation of OpNET to both Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, the programme is now focussed on extending this capability across the Rest of the Fleet. During financial year 2024-25 OpNET was installed to RFA TIDEFORCE, HMS SUTHERLAND, and HMS SCOTT. Plans are in place for six further installations during the current financial year.

Whether there is a minimum level of operational experience required to hold the position of Chief of the Defence Staff following the establishment of the Military Strategic Headquarters.

The Chief of the Defence Staff is chosen through a highly rigorous selection process to ensure the most suitable and qualified candidate for the role. This will continue to be the case. Operational experience is one of the criteria for eligible candidates, along with the requisite leadership and management credentials.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Submarine Waterfront Infrastructure Future programme.

The Submarine Waterfront Infrastructure Future (SWIF) programme will deliver substantial infrastructure upgrades at HM Naval Base Devonport, as part of a wider significant investment programme to restore capacity and resilience to support the maintenance of our submarine fleet. The design phase of the SWIF programme is coming to a close and we are now starting the construction stage. This comes on the back of the restoration of 9 Dock to undertake submarine deep maintenance and 15 Dock to enable operational maintenance.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Sea Venom Programme.

The first successful guided firing of Sea Venom took place at the Aberporth range in Wales in October 2024, marking a significant milestone in the integration of Sea Venom onto Wildcat. Initial Operating Capability is on schedule to be declared by June, aligned to the Carrier Strike Group 25 deployment, with Full Operating Capability expected by 2029.

What assessment she has made of the potential financial implications of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union.

We are ready to negotiate a Security and Defence Partnership agreement with the EU. This should build on the EU’s existing partnership agreements with other third countries, while recognising the unique nature of our security relationship. We are also ready to look at wider cooperation, beyond a Security and Defence Partnership agreement, on the key issues facing our continent’s security: how to ramp up our defence industrial capacity, financing and capability development. However, we will not be providing a running commentary on the details of these discussions.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Submersible Ship Nuclear AUKUS programme.

The SSN-AUKUS programme is approximately 18 months into the Detailed Design and Long Lead (D2L2) phase, with contracts totalling around £4 billion having been placed in October 2023. Infrastructure improvements are also being made at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow and Rolls-Royce’s Raynesway site to support future submarine build programme requirements. The programme aims to deliver the first UK submarines in the late 2030s, to replace the Astute Class.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Spearfish Upgrade Programme.

The Ministry of Defence has made significant progress in implementing the Spearfish Upgrade Programme, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of the Spearfish torpedo system to meet evolving defence requirements. The integration of the Spearfish Mod 1 torpedo with the submarine's combat system has been demonstrated through in-water firings.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Submarine Dismantling Project.

The Submarine Dismantling Project remains on track for the demonstrator submarine, SWIFTSURE, to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has taken the cropping year into consideration when making arrangements to launch the updated Sustainable Farming Incentive.

Defra will be working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer that fairly and responsibly directs funding. This future SFI offer will build on what has made SFI effective so far. Further details about the reformed SFI offer will be announced following the spending review in summer 2025. This will include an indication of when we expect to open for applications.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on the UK procurement system.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on UK operational independence.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What the remuneration package is for (a) the Chair and (b) all other members of the Defence Housing Strategy review team.

In line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, Natalie Elphicke-Ross has been appointed as the Chair of the Defence Housing Strategy review team. Natalie will bring with her a wealth of technical and industry expertise to get the most out of on this once in a generational opportunity to recapitalise our Defence Estate. This is a paid position, at a rate of £600 per day. The daily rates being paid to other members of the Defence Housing Strategy Review Team varies. The average payment for external members appointed as contractors, not direct Ministerial appointments, is less than £600 per day.

Whether any military personnel have been deployed to Birmingham to support the response to the ongoing disruption to waste collection.

Following a Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) request from the Ministry of Housing, Community, and Local Government, a small number of military personnel deployed to support Birmingham City Council. This support, which was focused on operational planning only has now concluded.

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential provision of military support in relation to waste collection in Birmingham.

Following a Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) request from the Ministry of Housing, Community, and Local Government, a small number of military personnel deployed to support Birmingham City Council. This support, which was focused on operational planning only has now concluded.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 April 2025 to Question 42281 on Defence Equipment: Technology, what percentage of his Department's equipment procurement budget was spent on novel technology (a) as of 22 April 2025 and (b) in each of the last five financial years.

The Ministry of Defence continues to invest significant funding into novel technologies such as various uncrewed systems and our cutting edge Directed Energy Weapons. Further detail on the novel technologies ringfence will be finalised through the Spending Review.

What progress he has made on the proposed Security Pact with the European Union.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What steps she is taking to decarbonise schools in South Suffolk constituency.

I refer the hon. Member for South Suffolk to the answer of 22 April 2025 to Question 45368.

What is his target date for the completion of HMS Trent's maintenance period.

There has been no delay to HMS TRENT's refit. She started a capability refit in October 2024, which completed in December 2024. This was followed by a Capability Insertion Period, which is now complete. HMS Trent is currently undergoing planned force generation and machinery trials alongside in Malta, before proceeding to sea in mid-May.